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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2008-2009

Neat, Clean and Organized a Report on the Fort Bragg Police Department May 13, 2009

Published: May 13, 2009 107 pages
View PDF View Full Original

Findings and Recommendations 21 findings

F1 Page 41
The department has 24 approved positions. Current employees consist of the Chief, one lieutenant, three sergeants, twelve officers (nine men and three women), two community service officers and four support staff. This constitutes a full staff. One community service officer position is frozen due to budget restrictions.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 41
There is one bilingual officer who receives a pay incentive for his language skills.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 41
assign a bilingual officer to each shift. (Finding 2)
F3 Page 41
One school resource officer (SRO) gives lectures and staff training at all Fort Bragg schools concerning safety issues and avoidance of drugs and gang involvement.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 41
continue to provide training to all SROs prior to assignment. (Finding 3)
F4 Page 41
All new hires are subject to an 18-month probationary period.
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 41
The department does not have a K-9 unit due to budget constraints.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 41
pursue funding for a K-9 unit. (Finding 5)
F6 Page 41
There is no mandatory counseling for officers who have experienced a traumatic event unless job performance is affected.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Page 41
mandate and provide counseling whenever an officer experiences a job- related traumatic event. (Finding 6)
F7 Page 41
The department does not publish an annual report.
No recommendations for this finding
F8 Page 41
The policy and procedure manual is currently being updated.
No recommendations for this finding
F9 Page 41
Some officers complete “Train the Trainer” taser school and then provide in- house training to the others.
No recommendations for this finding
F10 Page 41
A police cadet program is being developed for youth ages 16 to 20.
No recommendations for this finding
F11 Page 41
There is a citizen ride-a-long program.
No recommendations for this finding
F12 Page 41
The County Sheriff’s Office handles all dispatching for FBPD.
No recommendations for this finding
F13 Page 42
Due to the lack of an animal control officer in Fort Bragg, increased officer time is required to handle animal issues.
No recommendations for this finding
F14 Page 42
FBPD patrol cars do not have on-board computers or cameras.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Page 41
pursue funding for the purchase of onboard computers and cameras for the patrol cars. (Finding 14)
F15 Page 42
The holding cell is in compliance with Titles 15 and 24 of the California Code of Regulations which set minimum standards for local detention facilities and are enforced by the Corrections Standards Authority of the State Department of Corrections.
No recommendations for this finding
F16 Page 42
Each officer is assigned a patrol car and takes the car home at night with the exception of one officer who lives out of the area.
No recommendations for this finding
F17 Page 42
Each officer is assigned to keep their car clean. The City of Fort Bragg Public Works Department performs regular vehicle maintenance.
No recommendations for this finding
F18 Page 42
State funding for forensics and bookings is scheduled to end this year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Page 41
continue to seek funding for the forensics and bookings programs. (Finding 18)
F19 Page 44
The deputies on the north coast work ten hour shifts with no overlap. There is no coverage for a four-hour period. The south coast coverage varies; however, there is always someone on call.
No recommendations for this finding
F20 Page 44
The evidence room has no computerized system for tracking evidence. A card system is still in use. For approximately 17 years the substation has requested a bar coding system. The Grand Jury noticed an abundance of backlogged material evidence awaiting clearance and proper disposal.
No recommendations for this finding
F21 Page 44
Confiscated firearms are destroyed in an Oakland foundry. Drugs and other hazardous materials are taken to a multi-agency purging area in San Francisco.
No recommendations for this finding

Agency Responses 4

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.